Fun Cauliflower Jellyfish Facts For Kids

A cauliflower jellyfish (Cephea cephea) is a stinging jellyfish that belongs to the Cephea genus of true jellyfishes. They are sometimes referred to as the crown jellyfish because of the rounded crown-like structure present on the top of its bell. Since the name crown jellyfish can cause confusion between the related jellyfish species of the Netrostoma genus, they are given the name cauliflower jellyfish. This type of jellyfish is found commonly throughout the world, especially in the East Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans. The large crown can grow up to 24 in (60 cm) in diameter.

The crown jellyfish is described as a fairly common and a Least Concern species of the sea. The major threat haunting the jellyfish population is that they are targeted by a few jellyfish fishing industries throughout their range because of commercial value. The cauliflower jellyfish is eaten as a food delicacy. They also have value in the medical fields of China and Japan. Marine animals like sea turtles and tangs used to prey on this species of stinging cauliflower jellyfish.

To know more about the crown or cauliflower jellyfishes, keep on reading these amazing facts. For similar content check out the fried egg jellyfish and atolla jellyfish facts too.

What type of animal is a cauliflower jellyfish?

A cauliflower jellyfish (Cephea cephea) is a type of Old World jellyfish.

What class of animal does a cauliflower jellyfish belong to?

The cauliflower jellyfish (Cephea cephea) of the Rhizostomeae order and Cepheidae family belongs to the class Scyphozoa like all other marine animals of the Cnidaria phylum.

How many cauliflower jellyfish are there in the world?

The total population of cauliflower jellyfish has not been quantified. These marine creatures have a large range and their population is believed to be consistent throughout their range. The cauliflower jellyfish population is threatened by targeted jellyfish fisheries but no significant harm has been recorded. They also form the major prey of sea turtles.

Where does a cauliflower jellyfish live?

Cauliflower jellyfish are endemic to the Red Sea, Indo-Pacific Ocean, and East Atlantic Ocean. They have also been recorded in Japan, the Philippines, Malay Archipelago, Australia, and the Marquesas Islands. Cauliflower jellyfish are also eaten as a delicacy in Japan and China.

What is a cauliflower jellyfish's habitat?

Cauliflower jellyfish are found in the pelagic zone of several seas and oceans of the world. This jellyfish is capable of inhabiting extremely cold water with freezing temperatures. They are found at depths ranging over 9842 ft (3000 m). During the day, they swim deep down into the bottom of the sea while at night they migrate to shallow water. The crown jellyfish occurs in the bays, estuaries, and lagoons of open oceans.

Who do cauliflower jellyfish live with?

Some species of jellyfish live alone while others live by forming large groups called bloom. Blooms of this species of crown jellyfish were recorded consisting of tens of thousands of jellyfish in them. Several small fish swim encircling the stinging tentacles of the jellyfish and through the bell. They are immune to the jellyfish sting.

How long does a cauliflower jellyfish live?

Unlike the immortal jellyfish, the crown jellyfish has a short lifespan. The cauliflower jellyfish can live up to six months of age or less.

How do they reproduce?

Reproduction of a cauliflower jellyfish is similar to the reproduction methods of all other species of jellyfishes. Adult male and female jellyfish release sperm and eggs respectively into water columns. The number of eggs they lay is unknown. Fertilisation takes place inside the water and the fertilized eggs form planula larvae. The planula develops into a polyp by attaching itself to a rock-like structure underwater. After this stage, the polyp further multiplies by asexual reproduction. This stage of the jellyfish is called epyphera. It transforms into a full-grown adult medusa jellyfish in the last phase of the life cycle. The fertilization of the eggs and polyp cloning depends on the water condition and availability of food.

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of the cauliflower or crown jellyfish is Not Evaluated. These jellyfishes are least concerning species in the wild because of their hardy nature. Jellyfish fishing industries will not affect their numbers on a large scale and are commonly visible throughout their range in the Indo-Pacific Ocean and the East Atlantic Ocean. 

What do cauliflower jellyfish look like?

The cauliflower jellyfish is a large Old World water jellyfish that is found in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. They have a huge umbrella-shaped bell with a large diameter. The color of the bell ranges from blush purple to mauve. Eight arm-like tentacles extend from the bell which is used to sting their prey. Several wart-like filaments project out from the bell which consists of the jellyfish's stinging cells or nematocysts used to kill their prey.

How cute are they?

The bell of a cauliflower jellyfish is colored with beautiful pastel colors. Apart from the bell and tentacles, nothing else can be seen in a jellyfish.

How do they communicate?

Jellyfish communicate by releasing chemicals in the water.

How big is a cauliflower jellyfish?

The bell of a cauliflower jellyfish can grow up to 5 in (12.7 cm) in length and 24 in (61 cm) in diameter. They are smaller than the moon jellyfish species measuring up to 15 in (38 cm).

How fast can a cauliflower jellyfish swim?

The speed of a cauliflower jellyfish is unknown.

How much does a cauliflower jellyfish weigh?

The weight of a cauliflower jellyfish is unknown.

What are the male and female names of the species?

Male and the female species of jellyfish do not have any specific name. Both of them are called cauliflower jellyfish.

What would you call a baby cauliflower jellyfish?

A jellyfish, before transforming into an adult medusa, is referred to as an ephyrae.

What do they eat?

Cauliflower jellyfish are carnivorous in nature eating food like plankton, shrimp, fish eggs, algae, and invertebrate larvae. They sting their prey from behind to eat it.

Are they poisonous?

Yes, the cauliflower jellyfish is the most venomous jellyfish in the world. A single sting releases enough venom to kill its prey. However, their sting is not harmful to humans. The cauliflower jellyfish actually forms a wonderful delicacy for humans, especially in China and Japan.

Would they make a good pet?

Keeping a crown jellyfish as a pet can be risky because of its poisonous and stinging tentacles.

Did you know...

The umbrella-shaped bell of the jellyfish is used as a propellor. It helps the jellyfish to swim.

What is the scientific name for cauliflower jellyfish? 

The ccientific name of a species depends on its genera. The scientific name of cauliflower jellyfish or crown jellyfish of genus Cephea is Cephea cephea.

Where is the origin of the cauliflower jellyfish? 

The cauliflower jellyfish or crown jellyfish is an Old World pelagic jellyfish that is currently found in the East Atlantic and Indo-Pacific Ocean. Their range starts from Russia and Japan in the north and extends to the Philippines and Australia in the south. This species of jellyfish has originated from the Indian Ocean and Maldives in Asia.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other Scyphozoans including barrel jellyfish facts or blue jellyfish facts.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable J is for jellyfish coloring pages.

Second image by Derek Keats